2 Kings 12:20 meaning

Joash's reign was marked by a bright beginning under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, who helped restore the worship of Yahweh and renovate the temple in Jerusalem. This period of righteousness, however, was fleeting. After Jehoiada's death, Joash turned away from God, embracing idolatry and making unwise political decisions, including bribing King Hazael of Aram with treasures from the temple. His departure from faithfulness culminated in grave consequences, both politically and personally.

In a tragic turn of events, Joash was assassinated by his own servants as a direct consequence of his actions, particularly for the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. His plotters acted not out of a desire for power but from a desire for vengeance. The chilling conclusion of Joash's story serves as a somber reminder of the principles of retribution inherent in divine justice. Even when positioned with power, forsaking God's covenant leads to ruin, as indicated in 2 Kings 12:20. Joash's life illustrates that a promising start does not guarantee a faithful finish.